Harambee Stars skipper Victor Wanyama has announced his retirement from international football.
“The time has come to hand over the team to the next generation so that they too can make their mark and help our country reach even greater heights,” Victor Wanyama’s statement said in part.
Wanyama became the first-ever Kenyan player to score in the UEFA Champions League when he scored the first goal in Celtic’s 2–1 win over Barcelona on 7 November 2012. On 11 July 2013, Wanyama moved to Premier League club Southampton for £12.5 million making him the most expensive player sold by a Scottish club, surpassing the £9.5 million Russian club Spartak Moscow paid for Aiden McGeady in 2010.
He has earned 60 caps for the Kenyan national team since making his international debut in May 2007 at the age of 15.
He plays for Canadian Major League soccer team CF Montreal.
Wanyama thanks Kenyans for the support.
Full Statement
Growing up it was always my dream to get the chance to represent my country. With a great deal of pride, I can say that I have been fortunate to live my dream!
From making my debut against Nigeria to captaining the team at the African Cup of Nations finals in Egypt – these past 14 years have gone beyond what I ever thought possible.
We have shared great moments together and I am proud to have been your captain and leader.
The Lion of Muthurwa
But all good things must come to an end eventually; and after long consideration, I have made the really difficult decision to retire from International Football.
The time has come to hand over the team to the next generation so that they too can make their mark and help our country reach even greater heights.
I hope to return one day to help the federation off the field but until then, I will still be The Harambee Stars’ biggest supporter and I will be cheering you guys on from the sidelines.
Thanks for all the support.
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